Wallet Watcher

The reinvention of Downtown Las Vegas

The Downtown Grand, a renovated casino-hotel formerly known as the Lady Luck, opened Oct. 27. It's at the heart of the 10-acre, four-block district known as Downtown3rd, a pedestrian-friendly area which will eventually have 17 bars and restaurants. Steve Marcus for USA TODAY

The bar was originally built in 1945 as Virginia's Cafe but was renamed Atomic Liquors in 1952 when patrons used to go to the roof to watch the nuclear blasts from the Atomic Test Site. Steve Marcus for USA TODAY

The Slotzilla zipline tower at the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas. Riders on the upper level will be propelled from a 12-story slot machine-themed platform at 35 mph and be able to ride the $11 million zipline underneath the entire length of the Fremont Street Experience Viva Vision canopy. Steve Marcus for USA TODAY

Flames shoot from a giant praying mantis sculpture at the Las Vegas Container Park during the Life is Beautiful Festival. The park, still under construction, will feature shops, restaurants and bars made in part with re-purposed shipping containers. Steve Marcus for USA TODAY